This helps with flu

Das hilft bei Grippe

Fever, aching limbs, coughs, colds, and hoarseness abound – all signs that the flu has taken over Switzer­land. What helps and when is a doctor called for?

What is flu?

Flu or influenza is a general illness with an often severe course which is transmitted by influenza viruses via droplet or smear infection.

Typical flu symptoms

  • Sudden onset of a general feeling of being very unwell
  • Rapid rise in fever (over 38°C)
  • Chills
  • Headache and aching limbs
  • Sniffles and coughing
  • Sore throat and pain when swallowing, hoarseness
  • Fatigue and exhaustion, more rarely dizziness
  • Vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea (particularly in children)

What can be done to cure flu?

Treatment is essentially aimed at combating symptoms:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids is important to compensate for fluid loss due to fever and runny nose.
  • If you have a cough with sputum, don't take medications that suppress the urge to cough. Not coughing up the mucus hinders the healing process and can foster complications.
  • Use decongestant nasal sprays only for a short time, i.e. not longer than 7 days, because they dry out the mucous membranes, especially with repeated and regular use. It’s better to use a nasal cream or a saline nasal spray.
  • Bed rest

These household remedies help

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Reducing a fever

Calf wraps are a time-tested household remedy for fever. What also works.

Household remedies
Tee aufbrühen

Cistus tea

The medicinal plant cistus is rich in antioxidants and has an expectorant effect.

Drink now
Zitronen & Ingwer Tee Zubereitung

Blue elderberry

The tea has anti-bacterial properties and tastes good with a little lemon juice.

Make the tea
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When to see a doctor?

A doctor should be consulted in the following cases:

  • Fever of more than 40°C that lasts more than 24 hours.
  • When older people and people with weakened immune systems get sick.
  • Shortness of breath or pain when breathing.
  • Pus-like sputum, as it indicates a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.
  • Middle ear infection and sinusitis or other complications.
  • Disorientation and stiff neck.
  • Pre-existing chronic illnesses, in particular of the lungs, heart and circulatory system.

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